Bama Central

Alabama Cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe Staying in Tuscaloosa for Sophomore Season

The Crimson Tide freshman spent less than 24 hours contemplating his future.

Joe Gaither

Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) and defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe (9) pray together in the end zone before the start of the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) and defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe (9) pray together in the end zone before the start of the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images / Will McLelland-Imagn Images
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In a strange twist of events, Alabama freshman cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe has announced his intentions to stay at Alabama and not enter the transfer portal, according to On3 Sports.

Mbakwe considered enterig his name into the portal on Monday going as far as posting a goodbye letter to social media, but changed his mind on Tuesday, deciding ultimately to stay at the Capstone and return for his sophomore season.

The former 5-star recruit in the Class of 2024 played in 11 games, logging 15 tackles, including one for loss, an interception and two pass breakups.

The 5-foot-11, 192-pounder out of Clay-Chalkville in Clay, Ala., was rated as a 5-star recruit and ranked as the consensus No. 16 prospect nationally, the No. 2 cornerback in the class of 2024 and the No. 3 player in the state of Alabama at the time of his commitment on July 26, 2022.

While the freshman spent all season playing cornerback, there is speculation that he could see time on the offensive side of the football in the future, beginning with the ReliaQuest Bowl at the end of the month. Mbakwe has offensive experience as he was an outstanding quarterback for Clay-Chalkville High School.

The transfer portal officially opened on Monday, Dec. 9 and will close on Thursday, Dec. 28. The spring portal window still exists and opens on Wednesday, April 16 and closes on Friday, April 25.

Read more: 2025 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Offseason Tracker: Coming and Going

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Joe Gaither
JOE GAITHER

My name is Joe Gaither, I am a native of Chattanooga, Tenn., and a 2018 graduate of the University of Alabama. I have a strong passion for sports and giving a voice to the underserved. Feel free to email me at joegaither6@icloud.com for tips, story ideas or comments.

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